Low Vitamin D Levels May Raise Heart Risk

Nov. 16, 2009 (Orlando, Fla.) -- Some men with low levels of vitamin D in
their blood are at particularly high risk of developing heart disease and
weakened bones that can lead to osteoporosis, researchers report.

In a study of more than 1,000 men, those with low levels of both
vitamin D and the sex hormone estrogen were at significantly increased risk of
having cardiovascular disease, says study head Erin Michos, MD, a cardiologist
at Johns Hopkins.

"They were also at dramatically increased risk of osteopenia," or bone loss
that can lead to osteoporosis, she says.

"Our results suggest that vitamin D supplements, which are already
prescribed to treat osteoporosis, may also be useful in preventing heart
disease," Michos tells WebMD.

Men with low levels of vitamin D and testosterone, on the other hand, were
not at heightened risk for heart disease or osteopenia.

Role of Estrogen and Vitamin D

The new findings build on previous studies showing that low levels of
vitamin D and estrogen, a sex hormone found in differing amounts in men and
women, are independent risk factors for developing plaque-laden arteries and
weakened bones.

The new study confirmed that men who had low levels of estrogen were at
increased risk of both heart disease and osteopenia.

And if both estrogen and vitamin D levels were depressed, the men's rates of
heart and bone disease were even higher, Michos says.

Michos and colleagues now plan to analyze blood samples from women to see if
the same results hold true for them. Studies are also under way to determine
whether vitamin D supplements can cut the risk of heart attack, stroke, and
osteoporosis.

The findings were presented at the annual meeting of the American Heart
Association (AHA).

How to Get Enough Vitamin D

Previous research showed that 41% of men and 53% percent of women are
deficient, with vitamin D levels below 28 nanograms per milliliter, Michos
says.

The Institute of Medicine suggests that an adequate daily intake of vitamin
D is between 200 and 400 international units for children and adults up to age
70. But Michos feels this is inadequate to achieve optimal nutrient blood
levels.